Hi guys! I'm moving some content off of the main site and into the most relevant categories of the forum. This post was originally made on October 21st 2016:This guide is meant to provide a comprehensive overview of the short and long term costs associated with electric bike purchase, use and ownership. I’ve listed dates for the first section to help orient you as time passes but from what I’ve seen, many electric bicycles are going down in cost with each passing yearThe first cost to factor in is the initial purchase price, there’s a wide range depending on brand, battery size and components. Below are some averages and ranges based on a number of 2016 retail listings for the various categories. Note that you can often find earlier year models for a reduced sale price (especially in the Fall as inventory resets). Also note that these averages do not take into consideration budget electric bikes as you might find at Walmart on Amazon or other big box stores, which tend to cost less up front but rack up higher maintenance and replacement costs down the line. I’ve reviewed three cheaper Amazon bikes here here and here with details about assembly time and effort.Once you’ve selected your ebike type and model, there’s one big variable cost to consider which is electricity… how much it costs to fill the battery each time you ride and how far that juice will take you. Here’s a quick guide to pricing out fuel costs:Batteries don’t last forever but most of the major manufacturers like Samsung and Panasonic that supply Bosch, Yamaha, Impulse and some Bafang drive systems estimate 1,000 cycles and warranty about two years of continuous use. The cost of battery replacement ranges from $500 to $800 depending on the size of the pack and whether it’s custom or more standardized in shape and interface. Some batteries can’t be replaced via the original equipment manufacturer at all because the brand has gone out of business and in those cases the battery case can often be repacked for ~$500.Other considerations: Many times electric bikes wear out faster than non-electric bikes because they tend to be ridden more frequently, at higher speeds and for longer distances. If this is going to become your primary means of transportation, it may also see more challenging weather such as rain or snow. Cold weather in particular, cuts down the effective capacity of a pack and some companies offer Neoprene covers to keep them warm… I often store mine in the garage where it’s warmer than the shed but safer than being inside the house in case of a fire. Anyway, a good rule of thumb is to have a tune-up / check-up for your ebike every six months if you’re riding actively or every 500 miles. A tune up for your ebike will range in price depending on who is performing the service, and should any parts be needed, etc., also note that some places include a surcharge for ebikes, even if it’s just a normal service. This is one of the reasons I prefer to buy directly from electric bike dealers, they tend to be more friendly and open to repairs and maintenance if they sold it to you and they are very likely better equipped to help with battery issues, your controller or the display. Here’s a few guidelines for costs:Maintenance tips: The most common necessary repair is fixing a flat tire; keep the necessary tools, and a spare inner-tube, so you can do it yourself. This may require finding an ebike model that doesn’t require a lot of specialized tools to get at / remove the wheels. It’s one of the reason’s that mid-drive bikes have become popular in recent years, not only is the motor more efficient if you switch gears to help it climb or go fast but the wheels tend to be quick release making them much easier to remove than a hub motor.A couple of additional tips: Purchase a good lock—protect your investment, sometimes it’s shocking to see a $100 u-lock or folding lock but if you just spent $2,000+ on the bike, it’s a good investment. I know people who purchased two locks just to make it extra difficult for a would-be thief! If your ebike doesn’t have lights or a bell, consider adding these as well. Your bike won’t be worth much if you get hurt and can’t ride it and as the seasons change and it gets dark earlier you may be caught off guard by traffic.All things considered, electric bicycles can be very efficient both in terms of energy use and money spent. They aren’t free and while you can’t charge most by pedaling (something that gets asked a lot) the electricity cost to fill them from a standard outlet is extremely low. Electric bicycles in fact, are often way more efficient than people-powered bicycles due to the fuel that humans consume which tends to be grown remotely, shipped using gasoline, stocked, shipped from there to a home and often cooked, digested and transferred from chemical to kinetic energy. Whether it’s coal, wind power or solar being used to charge an ebike, it’s usually much more efficient than using food to fuel a human being but you can still get a workout and perhaps transition more of your travel from a heavy, inefficient multi-person vehicle to a light weight, safe and affordable ebike.
But despite their higher price, electric bikes are the new favorite way for the public to commute, explore the outdoors, and get some great exercise. When buying an electric bike, it’s important to consider what kind of bike you’ll want so you can budget accordingly. Whether you need a lightweight e-bike for just an everyday commute or are looking for something high-powered with versatile use cases, there’s an electric bike out there for everyone!
The average cost of an electric bike is between $2,000 to $3000. However, prices range as low as $300 or as high as $8,000 or more. This all depends on the type of ride and the brand you’re purchasing from.
High-end electric bikes can even cost up to $10,000–these generally have unique or luxury features that increase the cost significantly. From a practical standpoint, the performance and utility of high-end ebikes will not differ greatly from more affordable alternatives. That said, some are willing to 4x the cost for a slew of bells, whistles, and gizmos. If a brand-new electric bike is not within your budget, you can also look into the used bike market for a good model that’ll serve you well.
There are also other ways to finance your electric bike purchase. For example, many employers offer commuter benefits that can be applied to electric bike purchases. Most ebike brands will offer some sort of financing option through a 3rd party like Affirm or PayPal at check-out. Make sure to conduct plenty of research and visit multiple stores to scout out the best possible deal.
Once you’ve got your hands on a good deal, you will need to account for additional costs that come with owning an electric bike, such as maintenance and charging.
Like traditional bicycles, electric bikes wear out over time and require upkeep. They have some different components than conventional bikes, such as motors, batteries, displays, and controllers, some of which require extra attention.
Here are some typical maintenance costs you will encounter:
It is recommended to replace your battery every 700 to 1000 charges. Depending on the model and type of battery, this can cost you between $350 to $800. You also need to account for charging costs–for every 1,000 miles, charging can cost about $1.28 to $4.28.
How far an electric bike can travel on a charge depends on many factors, such as the weight of the rider, the terrain, and the battery type and size.
Most electric bikes can typically travel between twenty to sixty miles on a single charge. Some high-end models, however, are designed to travel more than one hundred miles on a single charge. These bikes are ideal for commuters who travel long distances regularly but also come with a higher price tag.
Besides maintenance and charging, here are some important additional components you should invest in:
When exploring different bike options, it’s important to determine what you need the bike for. If you’re planning on purchasing your bike for commuting, try not to get carried away by purchasing a high-end electric mountain bike with additional features you may not need.
Save that extra cost and invest it in maintaining your bike, instead, so that it can serve you long-term. If you want to ride your bike through snow, singletrack trails, or rugged terrain, the extra investment in a high-quality electric mountain bike will be worth it.
At the end of the day, there’s more to the cost of an electric bike than its price tag. Maintenance, security measures, and charging are all cost considerations you should understand before purchasing your first electric bike. It’s also a good idea to have a basic understanding of how e-bikes work before making your first electric bike purchase!
For more information, please visit benefits of air suspension, trailer spare part manufacturer, signs of a broken axle shaft.